FIERY food and entertainment were on the menu at a Cumbrian estate hosting its annual chilli celebration.

Holker Chilli Fest attracted almost 5,000 heat-lovers at the weekend where a whole host of spicy wares were on offer from nationwide exhibitors alongside competitions, demonstrations and performances.

Jillian Rouse, head of visitor services said: “We are delighted that in only its second year, the Holker Chilli Fest has become so popular and we look forward to developing the show over the next few years.

"Sunday was a glorious day and we were thrilled to see so many people enjoying themselves."

The festival at Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel, welcomed an appearance from Tony Ainsworth, better known in the chilli world as Darth Naga, who oversaw the popular chilli eating battles held on Saturday and Sunday.

Competitors got through an impressive 15 rounds, working their way up to two million scovilles - the scale for measuring the heat of chilli peppers. Peter Weir, of Preston, was crowned winner on Saturday and Sunday saw a joint win shared by Damien Nagle, of Fleetwood, and Dominic Moore, of Dalton.

A spokesperson for the event said Darth Naga praised the keenly fought competition as the 'best' he had ever done.

Other highlights included music by La Tinto Brothers, from Manchester, professional dancers The Tangled Dance Company, magician Chris Cook, and fire performer Andy Jester who all proved to be real crowd pleasers.

A cookery demo was staged by Made in Cumbria’s Ambassador for Cumbrian food, Gary McClure.